7 Best Things to Do in Nagoya: Nagoya City Guide

Many people that come to Japan don’t visit Nagoya, simply because they’ve heard that there is nothing to do here. 

However, you would be surprised by all the things you can do here! Just for starters, we’ve put together a list of some of our top things to do in Nagoya, but we assure there are many more! Are you ready?

Connect With History of Nagoya at a Castle Visit.

Nagoya Castle

Nagoya Castle is one of Nagoya’s most popular tourist attractions. Even if you are not into touristy places, it’s still a good place to enjoy a walk and immerse yourself in the history of Nagoya. There are also Meijo Park, Tokugawa Gardens and the Tokugawa Art Museum nearby, so you can see a lot of nature, history and culture in one afternoon. Don’t miss our guided tour of the castle and grounds with our knowledgeable guides!

Nagoya Castle (名古屋城)
Entry Fee:  Adults 1000 yen; free for children through Junior High School.
Opening Hours:  9:00 – 16:30 ( last admission at 16:00); closed from December 29th to January 1st.
Address:  1-1 Honmaru, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0031
Website | Google Maps

Kiyosu Castle

Speaking of castles, Kiyosu Castle is often overlooked, and we say wrongfully so! This is a reconstructed castle that was once home to Oda Nobunaga, one of Japan’s great unifiers. Kiyosu Castle has an amazing view of the skyscrapers around Nagoya Station from its top deck.

Kiyosu Castle (清洲城)
Entry Fee:  Adults 400 yen, children (elementary school students and junior high school students) 200 yen
Opening Hours:  9:00 – 16:30 (last entry 16:00); closed Mondays unless Monday is a national holiday.
Address:  1 Asahi Castle Mansion, Kiyosu City
Website (Japanese Only) | Google Maps

Iwasaki Castle Nisshin

Iwasaki Castle can be a bit difficult to get to by public transport, but if you are a history lover, we say it’s definitely worth it. This is also a reconstructed castle that was significant as a strategic point during the “Warring States” period. However, once the castle served its purpose, it was abandoned. There is also a local history museum with ceramics, samurai armor and documents about the history of the castle nearby.

Iwasaki Castle (岩崎城)
Entry Fee: Free
Opening Hours:  9:00-17:00 (Last entry 16:30) ; closed Mondays or the next day if Monday is a public holiday.
Address:  67 Iwasaki-cho Ichiba, Nisshin, Aichi 470-0131
Website (Japanese only) | Google Maps

Planning a trip to Nagoya Castle? Book a guided tour and make sure you get the most out of your visit! Click the banner below for more details and pricing.

Get Your Goshuincho Ready for the Most Spiritual Spots of Nagoya.

Wait! What? You don’t know what a Goshuinchō is? A Goshuinchō (御朱印帳) is a stamp seal book. Each temple has their own signature stamp. Japanese citizens love collecting different stamps from the shrines they visit, and it’s something you can easily do as well. Goshuinchō are inexpensive and sold all over the place. Make sure to pick one up so you can start collecting stamps while you’re in Japan. It will make a wonderful memento of your trip!

Atsuta Jingu Shrine

This sacred shrine is one of the most important Shinto shrines in Japan. This temple is dedicated to the goddess of the sun, Amaterasu. It also keeps one of the three imperial treasures, the sacred sword “Kusanagi” (Kusanagi no tsurugi). Also, don’t be surprised if you see young Japanese couples in traditional wedding attire, as there are a lot of weddings at this central shrine. Lastly, don’t forget to try the local Nagoya cuisine at Miya Kishimen, a finger-licking good delight directly on the grounds of the shrine. 

Atsuta Jingu Shrine (熱田神宮)
Entry Fee: Free
Opening Hours:  Open 24 hours
Address:  1-1-1 Jingu, Atsuta Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 456-8585
Website (Japanese only) | Google Maps

Osu Kannon Temple

This Buddhist temple is a perfect place witness ancient history. Osu Kannon Shrine is unique because it is located right outside one of the biggest shopping arcades in the city, offering an interesting contrast between spirituality and consumerism.
Note: Beware of pigeons.

Osu Kannon Temple (大須観音)
Entry Fee: Free
Opening Hours:  6:00 – 19:00
Address:  2-21-47 Ōsu, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0011
Website (Japanese only) | Google Maps

Koshoji Temple

The Buddhist temple Koshoji (興正寺) is known for its impressive 30 meter-tall, five-story pagoda, which is the oldest in Aichi Prefecture. One of the highlights of visiting the Koshoji Temple is the tea service. You can enjoy matcha green tea and small wagashi (a Japanese confection) while overlooking the temple’s inner garden. During spring and autumn, the views are astonishing.

Koshoji Temple (八事山興正寺)
Entry Fee: Free
Opening Hours:  8:00 – 17:00
Address:  78, Yagotohonmachi, Showa Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 466-0825
Website | Google Maps

Toganji Temple

It’s hard to imagine that there is such a temple in the middle of the city! Toganji is a little hidden treasure of a temple surrounded by peaceful atmosphere and tranquility. That being said, the most surprising thing is that inside the temple grounds there is a 15-meter-high Green Buddha. 

Toganji Temple (桃巌寺)
Entry Fee: Free
Opening Hours:  Summer 9:00 – 18:00, Winter 9:00 – 17:00
Address:  2-16 Yotsuyatori, Chikusa Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 464-0819
Website (Japanese only) | Google Maps

Love shrines and temples? Read more about them here.

Love Shopping? From Big Department Stores to Flea Markets.

Nagoya has everything to make the most of your shopping experience.

Osu Shopping District

This is the most trendy shopping area of Nagoya! Osu Shopping District is the most popular shopping area in the city, and it has been for more than 400 years! Like Tokyo’s Akihabara district, Osu has a lot of stores that specialize in electronics, cosplay, anime, J-pop and idol goods. Along its busy shopping streets, you can also find popular vintage stores and the latest fashion and food trends. If you are looking for a unique souvenir, you can also find second-hand kimono shops selling authentic kimonos, yukatas and accessories for ridiculously cheap prices.

Osu Shopping District (大須商店街)
Entry Fee: Free
Opening Hours: Most shops are open between 11:00 – 18:00
Address:  3-26 Ōsu, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0000
Website (Japanese only) | Google Maps

Want a closer look at the Osu Kannon area? Our guided tour with a local guide will make sure you don’t miss the best spots. Click the banner below for more details!

Don Quijote

No, we are not talking about the character of Spanish literature! Don Quijote, more commonly known as “Donki,” is one of the biggest shopping chains in Japan. It offers crazy discounted products on a massive variety , snacks, cosmetics, medicine, electrics, clothes, household items, silly costumes and more. A visit to Donki is definitely a must during any trip to Japan; it’s truly an experience! But be careful not to get stuck, because the corridors of each floor are super narrow.

Don Quijote Nagoya Sakae Shop (ドン・キホーテ 名古屋栄店)
Entry Fee: Free
Opening Hours:  Open 24 hours
Address:  3-17-15 Nishiki, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0003
Website | Google Maps

Oasis 21

Have you seen the spaceship in the center of Nagoya? This futuristic building is actually an underground shopping “oasis” with many Japanese fashion shops, a Shonen Jump store, as well as a variety of restaurants and cafes. Don’t miss the views from the top of the building, especially at night. (It lights up!)

Oasis 21 (オアシス21)
Entry Fee: Free
Opening Hours: Most stores are open between 11:00 and 20:00
Address:  1-11-1 Higashisakura, Higashi Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 461-0005
Website | Google Maps

PARCO Nagoya

PARCO is a huge 11-floor shopping complex that puts emphasis on youth culture, art, music and fashion. Every building and floor has its own theme, as well as a a wide variety shops, from trendy food, fashion brands, music, anime and pop culture. It’s a great place to spend an afternoon, even for just window shopping. There is also a restaurant floor, a theater, a cinema and a gallery floor, too.

PARCO Nagoya (名古屋PARCO)
Entry Fee: Free
Opening Hours:  10:00 – 20:00
Address:  3-29-1 Sakae, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0008
Website | Google Maps

Nagoya Station Mall 

Nagoya Station has department stores like Takashimaya or Tokyu Hands, underground malls, and shopping streets. It’s busy, glamorous, delicious, smart, entertaining and will make you feel like a princess (or prince) lost in a maze.

Nagoya Station (名古屋駅)
Entry Fee: Free
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
Address:  1-1-4 Meieki, Nakamura Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 450-0002
Website | Google Maps

Wait! Check out this other article for even more information about shopping in Nagoya.

Relax in Nagoya’s Natural Gardens and Parks.

Shirotori Garden

There is always something in bloom in Shirotori Garden. This Japanese garden has a traditional design that makes it a cool place for chilling not far from the city center. Shirotori Garden regularly hosts seasonal tea ceremonies held in the tea rooms overlooking its pond. 

Shirotori Garden (白鳥庭園)
Entry Fee: Adults 300 yen, kids 13 and under are free
Opening Hours:  9:00 – 16:30; closed Mondays
Address:  2-2-5 Atsuta Nishimachi, Atsuta Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 456-0036
Website | Google Maps

Tokugawa Garden

Want to know about Japan’s ancient samurai culture? With a visit to Tokugawa Garden, you will discover the treasures of the Tokugawa clan, one of the most powerful samurai families in Japan. Stroll along the lake inside the garden, walk over the wooden bridges, observe the waterfall, and take a break at the samurai tea house or the restaurant. This is also one of the spots we visit on our Nagoya Castle day tour!

Tokugawa Garden (徳川園)
Entry Fee: 300 yen
Opening Hours:  9:30 – 17:30; closed Mondays and December 29-Jan 1st
Address:  1001 Tokugawacho, Higashi Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 461-0023
Website | Google Maps

Tsuruma Park

One of the most popular parks in Nagoya, Tsuruma park is well known for its cherry blossoms during spring and its variety of floral photo spots. You can often spot photographers here taking photos of whatever seasonal plants are blooming. There are also often performances held in the central gazebo pictured above. Not pictured is the awesome kids playground and sports complex on the other side of the park. It is divided into a Western-style garden and a Japanese-style garden, which makes it a unique experience.

Tsuruma Park (鶴舞公園)
Entry Fee: Free
Opening Hours:  Open 24 hours
Address:  1-1 Tsurumai, Showa Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 466-0064
Website (Japanese) | Google Maps

Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Higashiyama Park is a huge park that houses more than 7,000 varieties of plants, making it one of the most complete botanical gardens in Asia. Visiting its greenhouses is a very cool experience, because you can see plants from different environments like the desert and the jungle.

Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens (東山動植物園)
Entry Fee:  Adults 800 yen, junior high school students and under free; 880 yen with Higashiyama Sky Tower ticket
Opening Hours: 9:00 – 16:50 (last entry 16:30)
Address:  3-70 Higashiyama Motomachi, Chikusa Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 464-0804
Website | Google Maps

Meijo Park

Meijo Park is like the Central Park of Nagoya, where many go for a run, bicycle ride or just a picnic. Because it is located next to Nagoya Castle, sometimes it can be a little crowded. However, it is quite a large park, so you’ll likely find there’s enough space for everyone.

Meijo Park (名城公園)
Entry Fee: Free
Opening Hours:  Open 24 hours
Address:  1-2 Meijo, Kita Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 462-0846
Website (Japanese only) | Google Maps

Be Amazed by the Contrast of Nagoya’s Modern Buildings & Old Towns.

Nagoya Station area Buildings

Nagoya JR Towers and New Towers, Midland Square, Lucent Tower, Spiral Tower… Nagoya has a huge complex of modern buildings with amazing skyscrapers. Sometimes it’s fun to just watch the influx of office workers, shoppers and students going out and about. This area is clearly a big shopping and entertainment district where you will never be bored.

Nagoya Station (名古屋駅)
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
Address:  1-1-4 Meieki, Nakamura Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 450-0002
Website | Google Maps

Arimatsu Town

During the Edo Period, the Tokaido route passed through the middle of Arimatsu town. All these years later, the resulting merchant buildings have been preserved and designated as Tangible Cultural Heritage. Arimatsu is also well known as the home of “Arimatsu-Narumi Shibori”, a fabric dying technique that has been used and perfected over the last 400 years.

Arimatsu Town (有松町)
Address:  3008, Arimatsu, Midori Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 458-0924
Website (Japanese only) | Google Maps

Endoji Shotengai Shopping Street & Shikemichi

Just a 15-minute walk from Nagoya Castle, the Endōji shopping district, along with Osu and Ozone shopping districts, are some of the oldest shopping districts in Nagoya. In the past, Shikemichi was a samurai and merchant housing area. Nowadays, it features shrines and temples dating back more than 400 years. Most old buildings are being renovated as cafes and restaurants, serving local and western food.

Endoji Shotengai Shopping Street & Shikemichi (円頓寺商店街・四家道)
Address:  6 Nagono, Nishi Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 451-0042
Google Maps

Join us for a guided tour of the Endoji and Shikemichi area in our Historic Townscape Walking Tour!

Taste Nagoya Meshi at these Restaurants, Izakayas and Bars.

Daijin

Daijin is the oldest izakaya in Nagoya. Established over 100 years ago, here you can enjoy a variety of fresh sashimi and small dishes from the local cuisine. However, be warned you will not find any rice dishes or other main courses. This is by design, as the main attraction of this izakaya is not to eat, but to enjoy drinking sake while talking with locals.

Daijin (大甚本店)
Opening Hours:  Monday – Friday 15:45 – 21:15, Saturdays 15:45 – 20:00; closed Sundays
Address:  1-5-6 Sakae, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0008
Google Maps

Want to learn more about Nagoya’s regional cuisine? Join us on our Specialties of Nagoya Tour, where you’ll get a curated look at some of the area’s finest culinary offerings. Details and link below!

Niwatoridashi Oden Samon

This izakaya is so popular that it commonly has a line to get in, but it’s worth the wait. Summon is a bar-izakaya specialized in oden, a typical winter dish cooked in a light chicken broth with kombu seaweed and soy sauce. The chef at this izakaya slowly stews his oden broth for more than 10 hours!

Niwatoridashi Oden Summon (鶏だしおでん さもん KITTE名古屋店)
Opening Hours:  11:00 – 15:00, 16:00 – 23:00
Address:  1-1-1 JP Towers Nagoya B1F, Meieki, Nakamura Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 450-0002
Website (Japanese only) | Google Maps

Kawabun

Kawabun is a traditional Japanese restaurant with over 400 years of history. Kawabun hosts regular events that showcase unique art forms: like geisha’s dance performances, traditional Japanese parlor games, sword dance performances, etc. These performances are not only about watching, you take part in them, playing parlor games with the geishas and talking with them while they serve you drinks.

Kawabun (料亭 河文)
Opening Hours: 12:00 – 15:00; 17:30 – 21:00
Address: 2-12-19 Marunouchi, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0002
Website | Google Maps

Prepare for Nagoya’s Nightlife Scene.

For those not interested in sleeping, Nagoya offers clubs where you can dance the night away, drink with friends or even eat ramen very early in the morning (as Japanese usually do).

Sakae Clubs

Live music or dance until sunrise? Club Mago, Club JB’S, Orca Nagoya or The Emporium. Nagoya’s got it all, so make your choice.

Sakae Bars

Check out the traditional Japanese pubs in Sakae, and the best American-themed bars offering pole dance shows and DJ parties every night!

Kanayama Komachi

Jump in the new complex of restaurants and bars in Kanayama with over 16 Japanese traditional restaurants. Try not to get lost in the lights.

Kanayama Komachi (金山小町)
Opening Hours: 11:00 – 1:00
Address: 4-6-9 Kanayama, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0022
Website | Google Maps

Interested in Sake, but not sure where to start? Get a taste of Aichi Sake on the All-You-Can-Drink Sake Tasting Tour. On this tour, you will learn about Japan’s most famous drink while sampling a variety of different types of Sake accompanied by a local Sake expert. Tour details and booking here↓

Hey, look at you! You got a little bit interested in Nagoya, didn’t you?
Even if other people say otherwise, Nagoya is not boring at all, right? Stay tuned to what it’s coming up. Meanwhile, feel free to leave us a message or ask us anything you want to know.

More about nightlife in Nagoya here!

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